Shrouded in mystery and intrigue, the history of Lycia is not as clear or well documented as that of many other cultures. However what is known is that the fierce independence of the Lycians, which was much admired by their Greek neighbours, led them to form the world’s first free government. While other city states fought amongst themselves, the Lycian Federation kept the cities of Lycia in a peaceful unity that was envied by many other cultures. Today, if you are visiting Turkey, walks in the National Parks along the Lycian Way allow you to follow in the footsteps of these political founders and wander the ruins of their cities enjoying the same sense of peace that the Lycians cherished.
Patara National Park
Declared a protected spot in 1990, the ancient area of Patara is home to a wealth of wildlife. A key area of biodiversity, this National Park is well worth a visit. Located not far from the tourist regions of Kalkan and Kas, Patara is a fantastic place to take a break from your busy walking schedule and enjoy some time on the beach. The 12 kilometre long stretch of beach, lined by the glistening Mediterranean Sea is one of the most peaceful beaches to be found in Turkey. Walks along the stretch of sand, and across the 190 square kilometres of the park afford you the opportunity to see some of Turkey’s finest birdlife. Hooded Crows, Honey Buzzards, and Bee Eaters are just some of the weird and wonderful species of birds that you will find flying around the park. Those lucky enough will also catch a glimpse of the Loggerhead Turtle, which has long been known to choose Patara Beach as a favourite breeding ground. The presence of this endangered species has prevented development on and around the beach, allowing it to maintain its tranquil and un crowded atmosphere. Once the most important naval and trading port in Lycia, Patara was a place of significance, and as such you will find some intriguing and impressive ruins in the area to explore.
Olimpos Beydaglari National Park
Sandwiched between the ocean, and high, precipitous cliffs, this Park has some of the most impressive landscape that you will see on your Turkey walks. Watching over the park, the Tahtali Dag Mountain (also known as Mount Olympos) stands tall, reaching 2,366 metres at its peak. Walking in this national park, you will cross paths with many wild animals. Reports of the area show that there is a high population of jackals, wild boars, beech martens, goats, European tree frogs, and the most rarely seen of them all, the Agamer Stellioher lizard. The old pirate bases of the Lycians, Phaselis and Olympos are also located in the park, and in the mountains West of Olimpos you will find the unquenchable flame. Said to be a mythological monster that was slain by Bellerophon on his winged horse Pegasus, the natural gas flame is thought to have been burning for a thousand years. A night tour to the burning rocks is a fantastic way to see the area in an entirely different light.
Termessos Gulluk Da& #287; National Park
The Lycian site, Termessos, is found 34 kilometres NorthWest of Antalya, and is a particularly magnificent area. The Travertine steps form large plains, out of which rises the Gulluk Mountain – one of the most satisfying to climb. If you are tired of travelling uphill on your Turkey Walks, then be sure to make your way down to the Mecine Canyon, with its walls that reach 600 metres in height. Wildlife also wanders freely through this area, and you are likely to spot goats, roe deer and even the Shah Eagle while you walk. A less crowded national park, this area remains peaceful and very reminiscent of the Lycian way of life.
The Lycians thrived on peace and community, and nowhere along the Lycian way can you enjoy this more completely than in one of the well preserved national parks. With some of the most spectacular scenery, and the most fascinating ruins to be found in Turkey, walks in these parks allow you to catch a glimpse of the ancient way of life of the Lycians.
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